| On May 27, 2010, another significant milestone
occurred for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Senator Robert Menendez
(D-NJ) sponsored and Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Benjamin
Cardin (D-MD) co-sponsored and submitted to the US Senate S. Res.
543 “Expressing support for the designation of a National
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness of and
promote research on the disorder.” The 111th Congress 2d session
considered and agreed to the resolution without amendment and with a
preamble by unanimous consent. Both houses in US Congress have now
recognized a National PWS Awareness Month. In December 2009, the US
House of Representatives passed House Resolution 55, introduced in
the House of Representatives by Reps. Ed Royce (R-CA) and Jane
Harman (D-CA).
With backing by recognition and support from US Congress, those
affected by PWS can go forward with other agenda items of importance
to its population and cite these resolutions, which will provide
more credibility for work ahead. Specifically, the Senate resolution
states:
Whereas advocacy organizations have designated May as
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) supports raising awareness and educating the public about
Prader-Willi syndrome;
(2) applauds the efforts of advocates and organizations that
encourage awareness, promote research, and provide education,
support, and hope to those impacted by Prader-Willi syndrome;
(3) recognizes the commitment of parents, families, researchers,
health professionals, and others dedicated to finding an effective
treatment and eventual cure for Prader-Willi syndrome; and
(4) expresses support for the designation of a National
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month.
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) gratefully acknowledges
Senators Menendez, Leahy and Cardin. Additional special thanks go to
grandparent, Peter Fleischmann, who was instrumental in this latest
successful effort.
To read the full resolution text, go to
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.RES.543:
To contact and thank sponsoring Senators, go to:
Contact Senator Menendez:
http://menendez.senate.gov/contact/
Contact Senator Leahy:
http://leahy.senate.gov/contact/
Contact Senator Cardin:
http://cardin.senate.gov/contact/
Edited:
02/09/2012 |
